The British Motorcyclists Federation is launching its biggest lobbying campaign ever this weekend in an attempt to stop the introduction of the draconian measures contained in the Third European Driving Licence Directive*.
In a postcard and internet petition campaign targeted on Minister of State for Transport, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, the BMF is seeking the complete removal of the motorcycling measures from the Directive, proposing a separate motorcycling directive in 3 years time and the implementing of a review of existing research and best practice to properly inform the new directive
The BMF say that a failure to discuss the implications of the Directive and not to follow a transparent and democratic course of action will only lead to more cynicism about Europe - especially in the UK.
To be launched this Saturday 20th May at the BMF Show, Europe’s largest motorcycle event of its type, 10,000 pre-printed postage paid post cards addressed to the Minister of State for Transport, Dr Stephen Ladyman MP, will be handed out to showgoers, supported by an on-line petition on the BMF’s website.
Members of the Government Relations Team will be available throughout the BMF Show weekend to advise and answer queries on the Directive.
Government Relations Executive Richard Olliffe said: “We are not against change but the motorcycling elements in this directive are ill-founded with no defined safety benefits. We want the positive proposals from our Government’s Motorcycling Strategy implemented and that’s what we are saying to the Minister.”
The BMF also say that elements of the Directive are unduly complex, will act as a disincentive to anyone contemplating taking up motorcycling and, due to their complexity, will be difficult to interpret, apply and enforce. In themselves they will do nothing to improve road safety but their complexity will lead to less compliance with a possible negative effect on road safety.
The Directive is expected to go for a final vote in late June and if passed, the BMF say it :• Will discourage take up of motorcycling leading to a decline in motorcycle usage as following the Transport Act 1981.
• Deny society the benefits of motorcycling i.e. social inclusion, congestion relief, reduced road land use.
• Be difficult to understand and even more difficult to enforce.
• Have no safety benefit and through its complexity, poor compliance.
The post card and the petition carry the wording: Dear Dr Ladyman
The motorcycling proposals in the draft 3rd EC Driving Licence Directive represent a devastating threat to UK motorcycling. They are unduly complex, difficult to understand and unenforceable.
When the draft Directive returns to the Council of Ministers as part of the Co-decision Procedure, I ask that the Government call for these motorcycling proposals be deleted and for fuller and more measured consideration.
People can take part in the BMF’s 3rd DLD Campaign Petition on-line at the BMF link below and by hitting the Campaign Live button, or request postcards by calling 0116 284 5380.
*The 3rd European Union (EU) Driving Licence Directive is the next step in harmonisation of Driving Licences among the 26 member states of the EU, but caught up in the directive are new rules for obtaining a motorcycle licence that the BMF say will do nothing to improve road safety other than simply deterring people from taking up motorcycling.
Related Linkswww.bmf.co.uk
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